Learning date: 13/11/24

Learning activity: EPAD

Title of learning activity: EPAD

We set up Electronic Portfolio Assessment and Development (EPAD) account and discussed the importance of the EPAD system. The EPAD system is designed to assess student’s competencies and skills throughout their educational program.

We also discussed the upcoming external clinical placement. Year one first external placement will be commenced on 18^th of November and expected to finish on 22nd of December.

During the external placement, the student must have practice assessor and practice supervisor and have their initial interview in the first week and midpoint interview by the end of the 3rd week and the final interview by the end of the 4^th week.

as trainee nursing associate its essential that I understand fully how the EPAD system works. Understanding the system will assist me to be aware of the competencies and skills that I required to achieve during the external placement.

The EPAD system will enable me to document all my experiences and leaning outcomes as well as reflections and feedback on my clinical placement. It will also allow me to track and monitor my progression over time as well as improving my theory and practice experience and readiness for the nursing associate profession.

KSBs addressed

K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and how to fulfill all registration requirements

K5: Understand the meaning of resilience and emotional intelligence, and their influence on an individual’s ability to provide care

K6: Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice

K7: Understand the importance of courage and transparency and apply the Duty of Candour

K18: Understand and apply the principles and processes for making reasonable adjustments

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

K20: Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met

K26: Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld

S5: Safely demonstrate evidence-based practice in all skills and procedures required for entry to the register: Standards of proficiency for nursing associates Annex A & B (NMC 2018)

S7: Communicate effectively using a range of skills and strategies with colleagues and people at all stages of life and with a range of mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural health challenges

Learning date: 6/11/24

Time:        9:30 AM

Learning activity:  Renal/ Urinary system

 We learnt the structure and the function of the Renal/ urinary system. The Renal system is one of the most important systems in the human body as it maintains the homeostasis within the body. To understand the structure and the function of this system is vital to deliver safe and effective patient care.

The renal system also known as urinary system comprises of the two kidney, two ureter, bladder, and urethra.

• The kidneys play a vast array of role within the body. The kidneys have two bean shaped organs and is in the retroperitoneal space, one on each side of the spine.

The right kidney sits a little lower than the left kidney, because the above the right kidney is the liver. Each kidney has cortex and medulla.

• The main function of the kidney is to filter blood and remove waste products and excess substances from the system. It also plays an integral role in blood pressure regulation and maintaining electrolyte balance as well as producing vital hormones such as erythropoietin and renin.
• Ureters: Hollow muscular tubes about 25-30cm long with a diameter of 3mm and Enter into the posterior wall of the bladder. They Carry urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder
• Bladder: Pear shaped structure when empty. It becomes more balloon shaped as it fills with urine and opens into the urethra. It stores urine until it is expelled through the urethra.
• Urethra: Tube extending from the neck of the bladder to the outside of the body. Its Longer in men than in women. in women the urethra is approximately 4cm long and 6mm in diameter, And In men the urethra is approximately 20cm long

the urethra expels urine from the body and in male, also serves as a passage for semen.

The main function of the renal system:

• Filtration of blood
• Regulation of blood volume and pressure
• Electrolyte balance
• Acid – base balance
• Production of hormones
• Renin
• Metabolism of drugs and toxins

The renal system is vital for the maintenance of homeostasis within the body. It has numerous essential functions such the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance, remove waste products from the blood and produce hormones as well as the metabolism of drugs, toxins and remove urine from the body.

As to be registered nursing associate, it essential that I understand the main structure and the function of the renal system and related disorders.

Having knowledge of the renal system will enable me to recognise the signs and the symptoms of renal dysfunction such as electrolyte in balance, changes of urine output and abnormal blood pressure, and diabetes. these conditions can have negative impact on the patient’s overall health. Therefore, having good understanding the renal system will quip me with the knowledge necessary to deliver efficient and effective patient care.

KSBs addressed.

K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

K24: Know how to support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort and pain

K26 Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld

K34: Know and understand strategies to develop resilience in self and know how to seek support to help deal with uncertain situations

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements

S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records

Learning date: 6/11/24

Time:        13:00 PM

Learning activity:  Basic life support

 We discussed the importance of basic life support (BLS) and practiced on manikin on how to perform effective CPR in the simulation lab. This hands-on training will enable individuals to become comfortable and confident in their ability to perform the techniques required an emergency event.

Basic life support is playing an integral part for survival of individuals experiencing medical emergencies. It is a set of emergency medical procedures that are designed to provide immediate assistance to a person experiencing life-threatening medical conditions, such as cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, choking or other critical conditions.

The main purpose of performing BLS procedure to maintain circulation, provide oxygen and preserve life until advanced medical care becomes available, and it can be administered by bystanders or first responders.

Key elements of basic life support, using acronym:  D.R.S. ABC

D – danger, check for dander, it safe the environment for you and the casualty.

R – response, check the responsiveness of the casualty, they responding to voice, pain.

S – shout for help and activate the emergency call and ask someone to call 999 or the crash team and make sure that they bring back a defibrillator

A – airways, ensure the airway is open by using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver

B – breathing, check for breathing, look, listen and feel for ten seconds to that breathing.

C – call – CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), if the casualty is unconscious perform chest compression and rescue breath at 30 to 2 ratios.

S.B.A.R stands for, situation, background, assessment, and recommendations or results. It’s a tool designed to facilitate communication about patient care between healthcare works or present results of an evidence review to inform evidence- based practice in healthcare settings.

As trainee nursing associate, it is crucial to understand the basic principles of basic life support procedures. It will enable me to assess, respond and provide immediate, effective care during life-threatening situations. This will enhance the patient’s outcome.

KSBs addressed

S8: Recognise signs of vulnerability in self or colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

K24: Know how to support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort and pain

K26: Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld

K34: Know and understand strategies to develop resilience in self and know how to seek support to help deal with uncertain situations

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements

S2: Keep complete, clear,

Learning date: 30/10/24

Learning activity:  9:30 AM

Diversity & Equality

Today we discussed the importance of diversity and equality and inclusion in the health and care system. Simply diversity is recognising and respecting as well as valuing differences in people, regardless of their ethnic background, religion, or certain group.

Under Equality Act 2010, every individual must be treated with fairness, respecting and dignity as well as meeting individual’s needs appropriately and challenging the factors that limit individual’s opportunities, irrespective of their personal protected characteristic. such as race, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

Diversity and equality play an integral part in healthcare system as they ensure that the patients and service users receive fair and equitable access to safe, and high standard of care.

All healthcare providers are expected to understand and address the unique needs of their patients from diverse backgrounds which will result to more effective and quality care and facilitate the reduction of disparities in health outcomes as well as improving overall satisfaction of the patients and service users.

As trainee nursing associate is vital that I understand the importance of diversity and equality. As nursing associate, I will always act in the best interest of the patients and respect their dignity and rights of the patient regardless of their background, disability, and health conditions.

KSBs addressed.

K8: Understand how discriminatory behaviour is exhibited

K11: Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes

K43: Understand the influence of policy and political drivers that impact health and care provision Skills

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements

S10: Provide, promote, and where appropriate advocate for, non-discriminatory, person-centred and sensitive care at all times, reflecting on people’s values and beliefs, diverse backgrounds, cultural characteristics, language requirements, needs and preferences, taking account of any need for adjustments

S11: Report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes

S1: Challenge or report discriminatory behaviour

Learning date: 30/10/24

               Time:     13:00 PM

Learning activity:  A-E assessment 

Today we learnt the importance of A-E patient assessment. This method of assessment plays a significant role in patient care. It enables the nurses to systematically evaluate patient’s condition.

The early detection, prioritising and responding to clinically deteriorating patient’s condition in timely manner is the key element of patient safety and enhances patient’s outcome as well as preventing further deterioration.

A-E assessment stands for:

Airway (A) ensure that the patient airway is free from any obstruction. Airway obstruction can results hypoxia and risk of damage to the brain, kidney, and cardiac arrest as well as death.

Signs of airway obstruction include, paradoxical chest and abdominal moment, and the use of accessory muscles of respiration and cyanosis. Complete airway obstruction, there is no breath sounds at the mouth or the noise. Whereas partially obstructed airway, air entry is diminished and often noisy.

Treat of airway obstruction as medical emergency:

• Obtain expert help immediately.
• Provide high concentrated oxygen (15L MIN)
• In acute respiratory failure, aim to maintain an oxygen saturation of 94–98%.
• In patients at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure, aim for an oxygen saturation of 88–92%.

  Breathing (B) assess the respiratory function to prevent respiratory failure or inadequate oxygenation.

• Check the respiratory rate (12-20 breaths min-1)
• Check rhythm and the depth and oxygen saturation level, are they using their accessory muscles

circulation (C) checks the pulse, blood pressure, the capillary refill time, the urine and the temperature.

• This will help you to recognise the signs of shock haemorrhage, or cardiac arrest.
• Ensure immediate circulation support

Disability (D) check ACPU, are they alert, newly confused, responsive to voice, pain, or they are unresponsive. Check blood glucose level, and pupil reaction.

Exposure (E) identify any underlying causes of injury or illness such as hypothermia, or hidden trauma to guide appropriate interventions.

A-E assessment system is fundamental in emergence settings because it enables healthcare professionals to detect, prioritise and response to critically ill or injured patients efficiently and effectively in timely manner.

 As trainee nursing associate it is vital that I understand the A-E assessment system. It will allow me to assess the patient’s condition thoroughly and escalate, if necessary. In timely manner during the patient assessment, I must maintain the dignity and respect the rights of the patient. By ensuring that, I deliver safe and efficient and effective patient care.

KSBs addressed.

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

K20: Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met

K21: Understand co-morbidities and the demands of meeting people’s holistic needs when prioritising care

K24: Know how to support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort and pain

S30: Recognise when a person’s condition has improved or deteriorated by undertaking health monitoring, interpreting, promptly responding, sharing findings and escalating as needed

S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records

Week 6: endocrine system and Introduction of multiprofessional working.

Learning date: 23/10/24

Learning activity:

Endocrine system

Introduction of multiprofessional working

 Today  we  learnt the endocrine system and Multiprofessional & interpersonal working topics. The endocrine system plays key role in maintain the optimal function of the human body. It is composed of various glands, which separated and have no physical connections to each other.

These endocrine glands are a group of secretory cells that secretes hormones and surrounded by extensive network of capillaries which facilities the diffusion of hormones from the secretory cells into the bloodstream. The secreted hormones are transported directly in the bloodstream to the target tissues and organs.

Hormones are chemical messengers that serve as regulators and coordinators of various biological functions. They are highly potent, specialised and secreted in response to specific stimuli and exert their actions on specific target cell.

The target cells have receptors that bind hormones with high affinity and specificity, allowing them to respond appropriately. When these receptors bind to the hormones, they initiate characteristic biological response by the target cells.

The effects of hormones are many and varied, and their actions involve in:

• regulation of ions and water balance
• responding to adverse conditions such as infections, trauma, and emotional stress
• sequentially integrating features of growth and development
• contributing to the basic process of reproduction.

Hormone molecules that are secreted into the bloodstream, circulate freely, and contact almost any cell in the body. However, cells that have specific receptors for the hormone will response to that hormone. These receptors are either inside the cell or outside the cell and recognise and binds to a particular hormone.

The restricted distribution of some hormones ensures certain degree of specificity, for instance, number of hormones that are produced by the hypothalamus gland regulates hormone secretion by anterior pituitary. These hormones are carried via small blood vessels directly from the hypothalamus to the before entering general systemic circulation. The anterior pituitary is exposed to a high concentration of these hypothalamus hormones than the rest of the body, as a result the actions of these hormones focus on cells of the anterior pituitary.

The main glands of the endocrine system and their functions:

• Hypothalamus- is situated at the base of the brain and connected by pituitary stalk to pituitary gland. It regulated most of the activities of other endocrine glands. It also releases hormones that stimulate or inhibit the secretion of the pituitary hormones. It also produces hormones that involve in body temperature, hunger as well as sleep.
• . Pineal Gland- deep within the brain and produces melatonin which regulates sleep-awake cycle.
• Pituitary Gland- located below the hypothalamus and has a size of a pea and weighs about 500mg. It produces hormones that regulates other endocrine glands. It secretes growth hormone, (GH), prolactin, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), thyroid stimulating hormone and – Luteinizing Hormone.
• Thyroid Gland- is situated in the front of the neck, The key function of the thyroid gland is to produce thyroid hormones such as T4 and T3 which regulates metabolism, energy production, and growth as well as calcitonin which regulates calcium level in the bloodstream.
• Parathyroid glands- located behind the thyroid gland and these glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) which increases the level of calcium in the blood. It increases the calcium level by releasing the stored calcium in the bone via dual action: it stimulates osteoblasts and in association with vitamin D, increase calcium reabsorption from the renal tubules. PTH and calcitonin act in complementary manner to maintain blood calcium levels within normal range.
• Thymus gland – is situated in the upper portion of the chest, behind the sternum and its main function is to produce thymosin which involve in the development and the maturation immune cells such as T-cells.
• . Adrenal Glands– located on upper pole of each the kidney. These glands are composed two parts which have different structure and function. The outer layer is the cortex, and inner core is the medulla.

The adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids which regulate metabolism, immune response and stress responses as well as aldosterone, which regulates sodium and potassium levels in the blood. Whereas the adrenal medulla plays a role for fight or flight response during stress as it produces catecholamine hormone.

• Pancreas- located behind the stomach and produces insulin and glucagon hormones which plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood glucose levels in the bloodstream. When high level of glucose in the bloodstream, insulin will act by lowering the blood glucose level by facilitating cellular uptake of glucose. Whereas glucagon raises blood glucose level by promoting the release of glucose from the liver.

Gonads- ovaries are found in the female pelvis whereas male testes are found in the scrotum. These glands produce sex hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and secondary sexual characteristics as well as testosterone, which regulates sperm production and secondary sexual characteristics.

Multiprofessional and interpersonal working plays a vital role in delivering safe, effective, and holistic care to patients and improving the outcomes of the patients.

Multiprofessional Working define as a collaborative approach where professionals from various background working alongside each other and offer their experience and expertise to provide holistic care for patients. These professionals may not necessarily integrate their role or share decision-making processes.

Interpersonal working involves a more integrated approach where different healthcare professionals with diverse knowledge, skills, and expertise work together as a cohesive team to achieve common goal. These professionals share responsibility and collaborate decision-making process, plaining as well as problem solving to deliver a comprehensive care which is essential for improving outcomes for patients.

The endocrine system is one of the most important systems in the human body and it play a crucial role in regulating numerous functions in the body through hormones. Therefore, as nursing associate it is very important that I understand the functions of these hormones and how they affect metabolism, growth, mood, and overall health of individuals.

Having knowledge of the endocrine system will enable me to recognise the signs and symptom of diseases and disorder that are related to endocrine dysfunction such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and adrenal insufficiency. As nursing associate I will be often administering medications, therefore, I must understand how these medications affect the endocrine system, such as such as insulin for diabetes or thyroid hormone replacements for thyroid disorder, so that I will be able to deliver safe, effective, and holistic care to patients.

Multidisciplinary and interpersonal working is essential for delivering a comprehensive car to patients. It enhances collaboration of different professionals to share their knowledge, skills, experience and responsibilities resulting improved teamwork and communication as well as enabling staff to manage their workload more effectively and reduces stress. Also, the patient will benefit from these collaborative work as they will receive a holistic treatment that address multiple aspect of their health resulting better outcomes.

KSBs addressed

K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and how to fulfill all registration requirements

K2: Understand the demands of professional practice and demonstrate how to recognise signs of vulnerability in themselves or their colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health

K3: Understand the professional responsibility to adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain the level of personal fitness and well-being required to meet people’s needs for mental and physical care

K10: Understand the principles of epidemiology, demography, and genomics and how these may influence health and well-being outcomes

S22: Take personal responsibility to ensure that relevant information is shared according to local policy and appropriate immediate action is taken to provide adequate safeguarding and that concerns are escalated

S23: Work in partnership with people, to encourage shared decision making, in order to support individuals, their families and carers to manage their own care when appropriate

Week 4: Ethical and legal considerations and vital signs and NEWS2

Learning date: 16/10/24

Learning activity:

Ethical and legal aspect of nursing

RCN accountability and delegation

Mental capacity

Vital signs and NEWS2

 We discussed the importance of ethical and legal aspect of nursing. The nurse plays a critical role in the healthcare system and their role comes with ethical and legal responsibility to comply with the ethical principles such as beneficent (doing good), non-maleficent (avoid harm). Autonomy, (respecting patient’s right to make decisions), and justice (ensuring fairness in care).

Furthermore, the main priority of the nurses is the safety and the well-being of their patients therefore, they must understand and recognise the need of the patient to include individual though into the care practices.

Nurses must advocate for their patients and respect the dignity and the rights of the individuals that are under their care as well as maintaining confidentiality.  They must be able to build a professional relationship and communicate in a professional manner with patients and their families as well as co-workers.

As a nurse, it crucial to collaborate with externa and internal teams to deliver the highest quality patient care as well as understanding the limits of your professional boundaries.

As a nurse, you are accountable for your decision to delegate tasks and duties to other individuals, therefore, you must ensure that the tasks and duties that you delegated to them are within the scope of their competence and providing them with adequate support and supervision as well as ensuring that the outcome of the tasks meets the required standard.

The nurses have a legal obligation to adhere to the laws and regulations that governing nursing practices and their jurisdiction. They must obtain informed consent before undertaking any treatment or care and documenting it accurately as well as following the standards of practice. Failure to meet the ethical principle of practice and legal requirements can lead to disciplinary actions.

Mental capacity Act (2005)

Mental Capacity Act is a piece of legislation in the United Kingdom and its main objective is to protect and provide a framework for making decisions on behave of individuals or patients who may not have the mental capacity to make specific decisions for themselves. The ACT ensures the decisions that are made on behave of these individuals are in their best interests and that their rights and freedom are respected.

Conclusion

As trainee nursing associate, it is very important to be aware of my level of competence, knowledge and skills to undertake a task or activities. I will be able to inform the nurse if I feel any task or activity that are delegated to is outside of my competence. I am also aware that I will be accountable of my actions, omissions and decisions in performing those tasks and duties and I will always practice within the limit of scope of my practice. I understand the importance to follow the ethical principles and legal requirements to provide safe, high standard, dignified and respectful care to the patients.

I will always seek consent whenever is possible from patients before commencing any treatment or care and respect their wishes and decisions. If it is not possible to obtain informed consent from the patient, I will give treatment or care in the best interests of the patient.

KSBs addressed:

K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and how to fulfill all registration requirements

K2: Understand the demands of professional practice and demonstrate how to recognise signs of vulnerability in themselves or their colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health

K5: Understand the meaning of resilience and emotional intelligence, and their influence on an individual’s ability to provide care

K6: Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice

K17: Understand commonly encountered mental, physical, behavioural and cognitive health conditions as applied to delivery of care

K18: Understand and apply the principles and processes for making reasonable adjustments

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

K20: Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met

K26: Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld

S7: Communicate effectively using a range of skills and strategies with colleagues and people at all stages of life and with a range of mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural health challenges

Week 3: The structure and the function of the nervous system & importance of communication and professional value relating to nursing practice.

Learning date: 9/10/24

Learning activity: Nervous system, Communication and professional values relating to nursing practice

Nervous system

We learnt the structure and the function of the nervous system. The nervous system is the control centre of our body, and it coordinates and regulate the function of the body. The nervous system detects and respond to changes inside and outside of the body and facilitates communication between various parts of the body to maintain homeostasis.

The nervous system consists of two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNC) which enables rapid communication between all parts of the body.

The central nervous system contains the brain and the spinal cord: The brain is highly organised structure and divided into serval regions, including the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. Each region of the brain has its own specific function that maintains the control and cognitive abilities of the overall body.

The spinal cord is made up nervous tissues that extends from the brainstem down to the vertebral column.

Both the brain and the spinal cord are well protected from any damage and injury. The brain is enclosed within the skull and the spinal cord by the vertebrae that forms the spinal column.

The central nervous system receives sensory information from the internal and external environment afferent nerve, and it integrates processes the input and responds by sending nerve impulse through motor nerve to the effector organs, muscles and glands.

The peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves outside the brain and the spinal cord. It is made of a bundle of axons that extended from the central nervous system to different parts of the body. It transmits sensory information to the central nervous system and carry motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Communication and professional values relating to nursing practice

We looked at the importance of communication and professional values in relation to nursing practice.  Effective communicational skills and strong professional values play a crucial role in nursing practice.  These are integral part of delivering safe and effective care. Nurses, midwifes and nursing associates are expected communicate effectively and adhere to the professional values.

As nurse it is very important to communicate clearly to ensure patient safety as well as building a professional relationship with the patient and their families. This will enable the nurses to understand more the needs of the patient, preference, concerns which leads the delivery of effective and personalised care.

As trainee nursing associate, what I leant to enable me to understand more about the anatomy and function of our nervous system as well as the importance of effective communication. I will be mor mindful how I communication with patient and their families.

KSB Addressed:

K5: Understand the meaning of resilience and emotional intelligence, and their influence on an individual’s ability to provide care

K15: Understand human development from conception to death, to enable delivery of person-centred safe and effective care

K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care

K18: Understand and apply the principles and processes for making reasonable adjustments

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

K20: Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met

K23: Know how to meet people’s needs related to mobility, hygiene, oral care, wound care and skin integrity

K43: Understand the influence of policy and political drivers that impact health and care provision Skills

S33: Maintain safe work and care environments

Learning date: 2/10/24

Learning activity:

The structure and the function of the blood

cardiovascular system.

Practical session

We looked at the structure and the function of the blood. Blood is one of the most important elements in our body. Blood is fluid connective tissues with critical structures and functions that are essential for sustaining life. blood consist of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cell and palate.

Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood and makes up 55% of the blood volume. The plasma itself is 90% is a water and 10% are proteins (such as albumin, globulin and fibrinogen), carbohydrates, lipids, electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium and calcium), nutrients (like amino acids and glucose), hormones (which have unique functions and roles in the body), and waste products from cell metabolism and our diet (such as urine and creatinine).

Red blood cells (Erythrocytes) are the most abundant cell in our blood and make up 90% of the cells. These cells lack nucleus and have a biconcave shape. The red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein which binds oxygen and carbon dioxide. The biconcave shape enables the red blood cells to increase their surface are for gas exchange.

White blood cells (Leukocytes) are the largest of the blood cells and are present in the lowest numbers. There are serval types of white blood cells such as lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, each one has a specific role in immune response. They are produced in the bone marrow from the hematopoietic stem cells.  white blood cells are part of the immune system and enable the body to defend against infections and foreign substance.

Platelets (thrombocytes) are the smallest of the blood cells. They are formed in the bone marrow in the stem cells and have life span around 8-12 day. They play an important role in blood clotting. They aggregate at sites of injury to form clots and prevent excessive bleeding.

We also looked at the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system plays crucial role for human survival. It ensures that the body tissues receive all the essential nutrients and oxygen as well as removing metabolic waste products such as carbon dioxide from the body. It also plays essential role in maintaining homeostasis.

cardiovascular system consists of heart, blood and blood vessels. The heart is muscular organ and has four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, the right ventricle and left ventricle.

The key function of the heart is to act as pump to circulated blood to all systemic organs by contracting and relaxing in a regular repeated cycle. When the heart is contracting is call systolic and when it is relaxing is called diastolic. The right side of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the blood and pump into the lung for oxygenation and the left side of the heart receives oxygenated blood from lungs and distribute it to the rest of the body.

The blood vessels contain arteries, veins and capillaries. The arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the tissues whereas the veins return deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Capillaries are where gas exchange take place between the blood and tissues.

We also had manual handling training in the assimilated clinical skills lab and leant different techniques such as how to lift, transfer, and reposition of individual safely by using prover body mechanics and appropriate equipment such as hoist and slings and sliding sheet. Also, it was reiterated the importance of, teamwork, effective communication, and confidentiality as well as maintaining dignity and privacy.

We also learnt how to carry out dynamic risk assessment that includes assessing the needs and the capabilities of the individual being assisted as well as the number of staff required to perform the task safely, using appropriate equipment and the environment.

Everything that I learnt today is very important to me as a nursing associate. Understanding the key structure and the function of the blood and cardiovascular system will enable me to assess patient properly and identify both normal and abnormal findings so that I can provide safe and high quality care to the patients.

Also, the manual handling practical session we had today was very useful as it reinforced my learning and enhanced my confident to apply these techniques real life scenario. Overall, this training will help me to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to safely assist individuals with mobility challenges.

KSB Addressed:

K5: Understand the meaning of resilience and emotional intelligence, and their influence on an individual’s ability to provide care

K15: Understand human development from conception to death, to enable delivery of person-centred safe and effective care

K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care

K18: Understand and apply the principles and processes for making reasonable adjustments

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

K20: Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met

K23: Know how to meet people’s needs related to mobility, hygiene, oral care, wound care and skin integrity

K43: Understand the influence of policy and political drivers that impact health and care provision Skills

S33: Maintain safe work and care environments

Date of Learning: 25/09/2024

Learning activity

Tripartite Meeting Arrangement,

Respiratory System

Introduction of academic writing

we discussed the importance of the tripartite meeting and how to fill the form as well as setting up the date for upcoming meeting. This meeting will give me the opportunity to identify if there is any area of leaning require for improvement and recognise achievement. Also to identify any issues or concerns that may impact on my success on this course.

We also looked the stages of academic writing and the importance of referencing it and what I learnt today will assist me while writing my assignments.

Respiratory system

We looked at the anatomical structures and the normal function of the Respiratory system. The primary function of the respiratory system is to provide life-sustaining oxygen to all the cells of our body and to remove byproduct of cellular metabolism, carbon dioxide through the process of gas exchange.

The cells in our body require oxygen to make energy. It is brough in via the lungs and delivered to the cells by the bloodstream. The carbon dioxide is removed away from the cells to the lungs, and it is expired from the body via the lungs. this shows that the pulmonary and cardiovascular system is intimately related to the body’s metabolic process.

The respiratory system contains:

• Upper respiratory track,
• Lower respiratory track
• Lungs
• Thoracic cavity.

The upper respiratory track consists of:

up the nose, mouth, the sinuses, the pharynx, the larynx, and its main functions are to transport air from the atmosphere into the lower respiratory track and to protect it from foreign matters, to warm, filter and humidify inhaled air.

Lower respiratory track consists of:

Trachea, bronchial tubes, and lungs and housed within the thoracic cavity.

The key role of the lower respiratory track to transport air to the site of gas exchange

Respiratory muscles,

The diaphragm is the main muscle in the respiratory system and forms the floor of the thoracis cavity and the roof of the abdominal cavity. It plays a crucial role in inspiration and expiration process.

The diaphragm contracts and flattens when inhaled, resulting the chest cavity to enlarge and creates vacuum which pulls air into the lungs. during exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and return to its shape and push the air out of the lungs.

Regulation of the respiration

During inhalation, the brain signals the phrenic nerve, and the phrenic nerve stimulate the diaphragm to contract and when diaphragm contracts, it moves down, making the thoracic cavity larger and pulls air into the lungs. when exhaling the phenic nerve stimulation stops, resulting the diaphragm to relax and move up in the chest cavity. As a result, volume of the thoracic cavity is reduced, and the intrapulmonary pressure is increased causing the air flow out of the lungs to the lower atmospheric pressure.

Human anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system is one of the most important systems in the body. It plays a key role in maintaining life by facilitating the gas exchange which is essential for cellular metabolism.

Learning the anatomy and function of the respiratory system will assist me to understand the normal function respiratory system. This knowledge is useful for me as I look after long term ventilated patients with complex respiratory requirements. This will enable me to recognise when patients/residents having issues with their breathing and assist them or escalated in necessary.

KSB Addressed:

K15: Understand human development from conception to death, to enable delivery of person-centred safe and effective care

K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care

K24: Know how to support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort and pain

K43: Understand the influence of policy and political drivers that impact health and care provision Skills

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements

S4: Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills

Date of Learning: 24/09/2024

Learning activity

NMC and the Code

Developing professional values and behaviour

Social media and professionalism

Introduction Anatomy and Physiology, systems, cells, and homeostasis

NMC and the Code

Nursing, Midwifery and Nursing associate is regulated title by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and they are expected to adhere to the professional standards that are set out in the NMC code practice.

The NMC code is there to protect the public by ensuring that nurses, and nursing associate are delivering high standard and patient centred care to their patients to their patients.  These professionals are responsible for actions and must maintain a professional duty of care as well as working within the limits of their competence.

The Code has four themes

• prioritising people: you must put the patient needs first and treating them with respect, kindness and to provide effective care.
• Practising effectively: you maintain communicate effectively and use terms that that patient, colleagues and the public can understand.
• Preserving safety: you must work within the limits of your competence and work with your colleagues to preserve the safety of those receiving care as well as competing the necessary training before conducting a new role.
• Promoting Professionalism: as a nurse, you must have the ability to demonstrate professionalism and exhibits compassion, empathy and commitment as well as providing high standard and patient centred care while upholding the values of accountability and integrity.

Social media and professionalism

As a Nurse, it is important to maintain professionalism across certain areas of personal life including social media presence and in a more extreme case, criminal convictions which can lead to tribunal and being struck off.  This may also be relevant to consider at local or trust level as improper use can lead to dismissal.

Recap Introduction Anatomy and Physiology, systems, cells, and homeostasis

Today we revised the introduction of the anatomy and the physiology of the systems, cells as well as homeostasis. We learnt anatomical position, hierarchy for organization of life and different types of cells and their characteristics as well as homeostasis. I will have better understanding how different systems of the body work together and the importance to maintain stable internal environment to sustain normal cell function, despite changes in external conditions.

As Trainee Nursing Associate, it is very important to aware of the standard requirements that are set out in the NMC code of practice and to delivery top quality of care to my patients. It also essential to be aware of how my conducts outside work can impact my fitness to practice and registration. I have learnt that professionalism plays an important role in nursing and nursing professionals must uphold the standards that are set out in the NMC Code.

KSBs Addressed:

K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and how to fulfil all registration requirements.

K2: Understand the demands of professional practice and demonstrate how to recognise signs of vulnerability in themselves or their colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health

K3: Understand the professional responsibility to adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain the level of personal fitness and well-being required to meet people’s needs for mental and physical care

K6: Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice

K18: Understand and apply the principles and processes for making reasonable adjustments

K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice

S4: Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills

S6: Act as an ambassador for their profession and promote public confidence in health and care services

S7: Communicate effectively using a range of skills and strategies with colleagues and people at all stages of life and with a range of mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural health challenges

S18: Apply knowledge, communication and relationship management skills required to provide people, families and careers with accurate information that meets their needs before, during and after a range of interventions